10 of The Most Beautiful Streets in The World
The world is full of beauty. It is apparent in the blueness of the sky, the changing colors of trees in fall, and the thunderous magnificence of a stormy sea. A part of its beauty is man-made too; it is evident in stately architecture, dazzling works of street art, and designs that combine natural beauty with human-created elements. A few of the most gorgeous streets in the world are a testament to this marriage of the natural with the man-made. Here is a look at ten of the most beautiful streets in the world, and what makes them so famous.
1. Philosopher's Walk, Kyoto, Japan
Stretching out for almost two miles, the Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto got its name because a famous philosopher and professor, Kitaro Nishida, walked this path daily to get to the university. He would meditate while walking, and it is easy to see how conducive the walk is for meditation, even for a non-philosopher. Lined by trees, and running along a canal, the natural beauty and sound of water make it a perfect place to get away from the bustling city to focus on inner peace. Beautiful in all seasons, the path is especially pretty in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
2. Via Baldassarre Galuppi, Burano, Italy
While Venice is on every Italian tourist's bucket list, the small island of Burano, located on its northern shore, definitely deserves its own day trip. Famous for its beautiful bridges and colorful houses, and historically known for its hand-woven lace and thread, this island and its main street make for a charming and unique sightseeing experience. While the vibrant colors of its houses provide a beautiful backdrop to the Venetian canals, they served a more important purpose in the past. The colors guided fishermen when coming home at sunset, especially when there was a mist.
3. Herbert Baker Street, Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria in South Africa is positively dreamlike from September to November. Around 70,000 Jacaranda trees, spread out all over the city, bloom in these months, making the cityscape pop with color. Locals even believe that if a blossom falls on a student's head, they are certain to succeed academically. Herbert Baker Street stands out, particularly, because it has hundreds of white jacaranda trees as well as the more common purple ones. The street dazzles with its canopy of purple and white blossoms, and tourists and locals flock to it to find solace in its natural beauty.
4. Lombard Street, San Francisco, USA
Famous as the "Crookedest Street in the World," anyone who visits San Francisco has to see Lombard Street, whether by car or by foot. Lombard Street also owes its fame to its lush flowerbeds and the beautiful mansions on either side. In fact, the street became an icon thirty years after the addition of the eight hairpin turns, when people planted hydrangea bushes.
5. Zrinyi, Budapest, Hungary
A long, central, pedestrian path, Zrinyi Utca is perfect for those in love with Budapest's beautiful architecture. The bustling street offers breathtaking views of must-see landmarks like St. Stephen's Basilica, Andrassy Avenue, Szechenyi Square, and the Danube Promenade. It is a great place for tourists as it houses cafes and restaurants galore, and some of the best souvenir shops. The magnificent Duna Palota (Danube Palace) is also located on this walk. While it used to be a casino, it is now a ticket center for Hungaria Koncert's most popular shows for tourists.
6. Andriyvskyy Descent, Kyiv, Ukraine
Touted by tour guides as the “Montmartre of Kyiv,” Andriyvskyy Descent is a must-see in its own right. A beautiful and historic street connecting Old Kyiv to the more commercial district of Podil, the descent spans a distance of 2,360 feet. It is a cobblestone path with many landmarks such as St. Andrew’s Church, Richard the Lionheart’s Castle, and writer Mikhail Bulgakov’s house. It is also home to many art and cultural festivals held throughout the year and is full of art galleries, souvenir and antique shops, and several luxurious restaurants.
7. La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain
Also known as Las Ramblas, this is the most famous and happening street in Barcelona. The atmosphere here is vibrant and bustling. It is a connection of shorter streets some of which are full of plant and flower shops, while others house quaint and quirky restaurants. Spanning a distance of 0.8 miles, the street runs from the Placa de Catalunya (Catalonia Square) all the way to the city's old port. The trees lining the street provide shade and add to its character.
8. Caminito, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Caminito means “little path” in Spanish. The area became a landfill after the town’s railroad service, which ran through the path, ended. It would still be an eyesore if famous Argentinian artist, Benito Quinquela Martin, had not stepped up in the 1950s. He painted the facades of the houses in vibrant shades, and now everyone visits the street to see those colorful houses with walls full of graffiti. Many other artists contributed with their own art pieces over time, such as plaster figures of famous people like Eva Peron, Diego Maradona, and even Che Guevara.
9. The Dark Hedges, Bregagh Road, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a popular destination among tourists because of its natural beauty, but one street, in particular, is very famous. Shot to fame when it appeared in the acclaimed Game of Thrones, Dark Hedges, on Bregagh Road is truly magnificent. Imposing trees line the path on either side, leading straight to Gracehill house, formerly an estate and mansion but now a golf course and restaurant. James Stuart built the house and named it after his wife. He also planted the beech trees on the way to its entrance, over two hundred years ago. The trees provide a canopy for the path and give it a magical, otherworldly feel.
10. Matoyianni Street, Mykonos, Greece
If there was ever a street straight out of a storybook, it is one of the streets of Mykonos, Greece. With narrow, cobblestone paths lined by white and blue houses, Mykonos is charming and serene. The foliage adds to its beauty and the views of the sea throughout the town are breathtaking. The main street, Matoyianni Street, is especially popular among tourists because of its cafes, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops.
Conclusion
As you can see there are countless stunning streets perfect for a relaxing and picturesque stroll. Of course, there is no limit to beauty and there are many other unique and gorgeous streets all over the world. Treat this list as a starting point and please share it with your family and friends.